I’ve been a contributor to My LA Lifestyle, since its inception in 2011, which was visualized, imagined, created and helmed by Laura Pardini. It has been a challenge and a joy to research, taste, test (the cocktail and food recipes), and create these posts each month. I’m grateful for the support, comments, and interaction I’ve had with all of you who have subscribed and/or seen my posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. My LA Lifestyle is closing with this post. I’m moving down the road to my brand new podcast (follow me for more information on its premiere) Instagram and Facebook pa ..read more

I have finally found shoes that satisfy all of my footwear wants and needs. They are stylish, high quality and, most of all, COMFORTABLE. In my experience, many luxury brands make beautiful shoes that look almost like art, but do not feel so good on the feet.  The cost of these shoes usually does not match up with their usefulness. I recently sold a pair of Valentino Garavani pumps, that originally sold for $945, and I had worn only once.  They were a fabulous red with gold spike details, about 4 inches high, with a pitch that made me feel like I was going to fall forward at any mome ..read more

I admit it, I am an Estate Sale Junkie. I love every single thing about them. From previewing the online pictures, to touring people’s houses, to imagining what their lives were like and imagining about the dinner parties they needed 36 matching champagne coupes for.  I always wind up in the kitchen, and pretty much always leave with something from their collection of martini glasses, candle votives, or serving pieces. Sometimes even a Pyrex bowl will satisfy my connection with these people who I have never met, but I have never left empty handed. There are probably hundreds of good sourc ..read more

Rosé knows no season — finally! We can find, drink, and enjoy rosés of many colors year ’round. No one is more aware of this mood than winemakers quick to make us long for the new, “new”. And, in 2021, the “it” rosé is Prosecco Rosé. Instagram is frothing over with gorgeous glasses and bottles. It’s what you get when you blend two different wine favorites: sparkle and pink — which prior to new rules were never allowed to mingle together.  The creation of a pink version of the signature sparkling wine of the region was absolutely forbidden.  Oh, they could make a pink “sparkling” wine ..read more

I want to help you rescue your clothing.  Rescue it from the back of the closet, and being worn less than it could be for one reason or another.  Rescue it from that unfortunate stain that now makes it embarrassing to wear.  Rescue it from being money wasted inside your closet.  Rescue it from being added to the millions of tons of clothing waste that is generated each year when much of it is still in wearable condition. There are several things we can try before giving up on an item of clothing.  Solutions exist for ill-fitting, stained, and those not quite right item ..read more

Spring celebrations are deeply rooted within myths, ancient writings, and the Earth’s awakening with shoots of green pushing up from the damp soil. This time of the year is celebrated globally with festivals of color, food, and drink as we move out of the darkness into longer, brighter days. Whether you have a farm, porch, or balcony, the urge to stick your fingers in the soil and plant something is in the air. Welcome the season with these Spring cocktail and wine pairings.  The festivals highlighted here center around the mood of the season: bringing hope for a season of abundance with ..read more

Being a native  Los Angeleno, I have collected a pretty decent go-to list of the best local sources, professionals & retailers for literally absolutely almost everything. My list changed of course this time  last year,  with new needs and new normals, but we can all agree at an amazing time when so many incredible apps and services sprung up and made our  life so easy. Services which  are actually so incredible, that we will continue to use them after we get back out there…here we go! Shoeber– The Uber of Shoe repair! They pick up and deliver at no charge and offer ..read more

My style philosophy is “More is More”.  It applies whether you consider yourself to be a style minimalist or a maximalist like me.  Adding more elements to an outfit will take it from bland to grand.  Even just one additional element makes a significant difference. I know Coco Chanel is credited with saying, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”  Now, I’m telling you to put something else on before leaving the house.  I would argue that Ms. Chanel was already layered in many elements that elevated her outfits, and thus, still looked a ..read more

One of the questions I’m asked again and again is: how do interior designers select the perfect paint color? And I get it. Even for design experts, choosing paint colors can be tricky. Not only are there tens of thousands of options — which can quickly get overwhelming — but there are many factors that affect how a paint color from a swatch looks on an actual wall.   I recommend swatching up to three paint options on several walls to watch how the hues change in the light and shadows of a space. So, my first rule of thumb for picking a paint color is: never select directly from a paper sw ..read more

St. Patrick’s Day is known as a free-drinking, Guinness & Irish Whiskey-raising, corned beef-and-cabbage-eating type of holiday.  However, what if you’re more a wine lover than a beer lover? There are still plenty of St. Patrick’s Day drinks for you.  I mean, any winemaker will tell you, however, that wine lovers are the best beer drinkers because it takes a lot of good beer to make good wine. So, let the shenanigans begin.  Herewith, our St. Patrick’s Day Survival Guide for Wine Lovers! Gettin’ on the Green You’ll certainly want to put on something green, so dig around in ..read more